PM Narendra Modi released this morning a commemorative coin worth Rs 100 in honour of former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, who died in August this year. The coin was released a day before Vajpayee’s 94th birth anniversary.

Speaking at an event to release the coin in the memory of Vajpayee, PM Modi said, “The mind is not ready to believe that Atal Ji is no longer with us. He was a stalwart loved and respected across all sections of society.”

“As a speaker, he was unparalleled. He is among the best orators our nation has produced,” PM Modi also said. “The party which Atalji built has become among the largest political parties. Generations of Karyakartas were fortunate to be mentored by him.”

Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley, Minister of State for Culture Mahesh Sharma, BJP national president Amit Shah and veteran BJP leader and Vajpayee’s contemporary LK Advani were also present at the event to release a coin in the memory of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

The commemorative coin features the Emblem of India on the front face. The words Satyamev Jayate are inscribed below the Lion Capital of Ashoka Pillar in Devanagri script. Also inscribed on the coin are the words ‘Bharat’ in Devanagri and ‘India’ in Roman script.

The coin’s value — Rs 100 — is also inscribed below the national emblem.

The reverse side of the coin features a portrait of Atal Bihari Vajapyee and his name inscribed in both Devanagari and Roman. The years 1924 and 2018 are inscribed below Vajpayee’s portrait to mark the year of his birth and death respectively. (See all photos of the new Rs 100 coin here.)

PM REMEMBERS VAJPAYEE

Speaking at the event to release the commemorative coin this morning, PM Narendra Modi remembered Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s master oratory and his commitment to the Bharatiya Janata Party.

PM Modi said Vajpayee was “unparalleled” as a speaker and was among the best orators India has produced.

Vajpayee “never compromised ” on the BJP’s ideology and was not hungry for power, PM Modi said.

“For some people, power is oxygen… they can’t live without it. A long part of Atal Ji’s career was spent in the opposition benches but he spoke about national interest and never compromised on the ideology of the party,” PM Modi said.

“He built the Jana Sangh but when the time came to rescue our democracy he and others went to Janata Party. Likewise, when the choice was between remaining in power or comprising on ideology, he left Janata Party and formed the BJP,” PM Modi also said.